Intermittent fasting has become a fast-growing fitness trend. While a lot of people initially try intermittent fasting for weight loss, it is not a diet plan. It is actually an eating pattern. Image source: huffingtonpost.com Unlike being on a diet, intermittent fasting does not dictate which foods to eat or avoid. It is more about when a person should eat. Here are common intermittent fasting patterns beginners may want to try out: 16/8 Method . The 16/8 Method is also known as the Leangains protocol. There is a set 8-hour eating period, which usually means the person has to skip breakfast. For example, a person can eat anything from 1 pm to 9 pm (8 hours), but they have to fast for 16 hours. Eat-Stop-Eat . This method involves 24-hour fasts, twice or once a week. Image source: lifehacker.com 5:2 Method . In the 5:2 method, a person eats only 500 to 600 calories in two non-consecutive days in a week. They are allowed to eat normally on other day